With obtaining the world’s first type certification a year ago, EHang has established itself as an undisputed leader in the emerging eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aerial vehicles) industry. In November 2024, the company reached another milestone by conducting what it calls the first solid-state battery test in an unmanned passenger-carrying eVTOL. This major advancement paves the way for increased autonomy and utility for these innovative aircraft.

A promising technological advance

The solid-state battery test, which displays an impressive energy density of nearly 500 Wh/kgenabled the eVTOL to support a continuous flight time of 48 minutes and 10 seconds. This result is almost double the previous estimate of 25 minutes for the EH216-S, EHang’s flagship model. This significant improvement in endurance could transform current and future eVTOL applications.

Strategic collaboration for innovation

In September 2023, EHang signed a strategic agreement with the battery startup Shenzhen Inx Energy Technology Company (Inx) to jointly develop a high-energy solid-state battery for eVTOLs. The two companies, in collaboration with the Hefei International Advanced Technology Application Promotion Centerhave established a battery research institute to support EHang’s low-altitude economic initiatives.

• Development of multiple iterations of battery cells/modules
• Custom prototype for the EH216-S
• Use of metallic lithium as anode and ceramic oxides as electrolyte

This prototype displays a claimed energy density of 480 Wh/kg and operates over a wide range of temperatures, -40 to 150°C (-40 to 302°F). Beyond its higher energy density, this solid state battery has other notable advantages:

• Improved thermal stability
• Reduction of flammability
• Better storage stability
• Less maintenance required

Implications for the Future of eVTOLs

The success of this test was revealed during an opening ceremony of the new Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Hub at Luogang Central Park in Hefei. Zhao WangCOO of EHang, said: “This milestone marks a significant achievement in the development of solid-state battery technology for eVTOLs, improving flight safety while significantly increasing aircraft endurance and operational efficiency. . »

This progress is not limited to increasing autonomy. EHang envisions potential applications in various areas such as:

• Fighting fires in urban areas
• Air logistics

Lin Chen, Chairman of Inx, also expressed his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration, aimed at refining the capabilities of the lithium-metal battery to achieve a flight time of 60 minutes by 2025. EHang hopes that this cooperation will result in large-scale production of solid-state batteries by the end of 2025.

Watch a test flight on video:

Conclusion

In summary, EHang is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the eVTOL sector with its developments in solid-state batteries. These advances promise not only to improve flight endurance, but also to expand the possibilities for aircraft use. The future of urban air mobility looks brighter than ever.